In a significant development in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested one of the prime accused, Balaji Govindappa, in Karnataka. Based on reliable information, the SIT traced him to Maipura and arrested him late on Monday evening. He is being brought to Vijayawada for further questioning.
Balaji Govindappa is the permanent director of Bharathi Cements, owned by Y.S. Bharathi Reddy, the wife of YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. With long-time association with the Jagan family, Govindappa is reported to be instrumental in the financial management of the company.
As per SIT reports, Govindappa, a former IAS officer Dhanunjaya Reddy (who was once Jagan’s secretary) and Krishna Mohan Reddy (Jagan’s Officer on Special Duty), are said to have helped the flow of illegal money gathered from liquor distilleries. The money, which is suspected to be kickbacks, was channeled through shell companies to reach the political leadership. Though all three were called for questioning, they dodged the authorities and went into hiding—until today.
Though no evidence exists so far to connect Govindappa directly with the bribery collection, officials suspect that he was involved in significant money laundering and silently facilitating the transfer of the money. His arrest is being seen as a major breakthrough that could potentially reveal the money trail and the ultimate beneficiaries of the liquor scam.
With the SIT ratcheting up the probe, further disclosures can be anticipated in the days ahead. Govindappa’s detention is expected to provide vital details about the functioning of the scam, particularly the way the black money was transferred and camouflaged.
